Estudo comparativo do conhecimento e prática de atividade física de idosos diabéticos tipo 2 e não diabéticos

Abstract

Objective: this study aimedto characterize the knowledge and practice of physical activity in elderly with type 2 diabetes, cared for in a referral outpatient s clinic in Fortaleza city, compared with non-diabetics. Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised 44 elderly people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and 44 without DM2, who were interviewed through a questionnaire regarding practice, recommendations, guidance and knowledge of physical activities. Data were analyzed using Chi-Squared test. The level of significance was p<0.05. Results: Regarding the practice and weekly frequency of a physical activity, it was verified that approximately half of participants in both groups did not practice any physical activity. Concerning the recommendation received from health professionals on physical activity, 84.1% (N=37) of dibetic elderly replied that they had received this advice, whereas only 58.7% (N=27) of the non-diabetic ones said they had been given these recommendations. Verbal advice predominated in both groups. As to the opinion of the individuals regarding the benefits of physical activity for diabetics, most of the DM2 elderly stated that physical activity could be beneficial. Conclusion: The DM2 elderly had better knowledge and practice of regular physical activity than non-diabetic elderly. Actions need to be elaborated for the elderly to acquire knowledge to discover their physical and motor limits.